Bendy's World

2009-07-01T20:38:00.000-07:00

you CAN go home again, but......

I moved away from my hometown 22 years ago. I enjoyed my location and thought I'd be there forever. God had another plan. In the chess game called "life" this pawn was manuevered here and there and was eventually guided back to her hometown.

It's a blessing that I could move back into my parents' home...the home that I grew up in. I planned on getting a job in a few weeks, saving some cash and getting a place of my own. Again...MY plans are not always how things roll! It's been almost 2 months...still jobless.

Now, I realize that things take time. I'm not one that posesses patience. Evidently God feels this is something I need to work on. Love that sense of humor He has.....okay not so much a times!

I have gone from a 48 year old independent female to being viewed as a 16 year old without a clue. Respecting the "Honor your father and mother" code of conduct...I keep my mouth shut and chew on my tongue a lot. I'm thinking it would taste better with BBQ sauce. Anyhow I digress....

My dad has all his clothes in the room I'm staying in. The computer is also in the room I'm staying in. The cordless phone recharges in the room I'm staying in. The vacuum sits in the room I'm staying in. (See where I'm going with all this?) "My" room gets more traffic than a Tokyo massage parlor!

My mother obsesses with wiping the shopping carts with antibacterial wipes. Okay, this is a good idea. (I've seen those booger digger kids after all.) However, I want to say "What on earth did you do before there were antibacterial wipes? Since the beginning of time, women have been shopping with germ infested shopping carts and survived!!" However, I chew my tongue and wait patiently while she performs the ritual. If it makes her feel better, then so be it.

My father obsesses with mowing the yard. He's 71 and insists on mowing about ever 3 days...4 if it hasn't rained. This, too, is a harmless obsession and the yard looks great. I think I have heard several neighbors cursing though, because once he cuts his, all the others look as if they need mowing too, though they really don't.

My 6 year old nephew stays with my folks when he's not in school. Oh, the joys of free babysitting! He's not used to getting told "no" and I don't think he's ever felt the whack of a hand on his tookus. Enter Aunt Bendy..... He now has moments where I'm sure thoughts of "I sure wish she'd stayed put" run through that little head of his.

You can stop laughing now....

I give my folks something new to talk about. I've upset their routine (well, except for the daily Price is Right and Wheel of Fortune viewing) and they've upset mine. We're learning to co-exist. I truly am thankful and blessed that I CAN stay with my parents and I will do my best to make it a less than painful experience for them. Now...if they would just do the same..... ;)

2009-05-11T14:26:00.000-07:00

pomp and circumstance......

I drove to Hot Springs Village, AR last Wednesday. Why? Because my youngest was graduating from Jessieville High School the following evening. I joined my folks, my sister and nephew and my aunt in a 4 bedroom condo that was more affordable than most basic hotel rooms.

Needless to say, there was a lot of gabbing and laughing and grubbing. The weather was warm. Graduating night, the gym was sweltering. Jesika's graduating class was made up of sixty something eager teenagers ready to take on the world

We held off on our party until Friday night. Kylie, Jesika, Spencer, Curtis, Tyler and Kaz joined the rest of us and it was on. The "Curtisisms" were met with laughter until sides were hurting. Wyatt, who is 6, was right in the middle of the big kids taking in every word. We may have to deprogram him.

Yesterday was spent packing up and driving back home with a smile and lots of good memories....

2009-04-30T18:31:00.000-07:00

time for me to fly.....
although it hurts to say goodbye.....

For the last five months, I've been on a roller coaster in Bendyland.

I left the comfort zone of a jobplace of 11 years for the unknown...
I finished massage therapy school...
I started working for a Christian non-profit...
I passed my state boards and received my title of LMT (I'm so proud!)
I watched the non-profit slowly dwindle until I was out of a job...
I worked for a spa as a therapist...for two days....

If you look at the above circumstances, you might think, "Damn Bendy...you've had a little hard luck mixed in with some good. However, there's an untold or unseen story that lies beneath the surface....

Regarding my company of longevity...I prayed "Lord, when it is time for me to leave this place, let me know and make it clear." He did. I was written up for 2 pages of nonsense with a sprinkling of truth. I'd never had any trouble in 11 years. I knew this was my sign. Before I gave my superior a chance to fire me, I gave my notice to work until the end of the year. I left for the day and did more praying. "Lord, if I'm doing the right thing, give me clear confirmation. The next day I was asked to leave at noon and not return. Pretty darned clear if you ask me!! Thank you Jesus!

The non-profit was a victim of the economy. Many of us donated our time until we had to seek other employment to survive.

The spa... I had decided that I would move back to my hometown in two years when I turned 50 to be close to my parents and closer to my girls. I enjoyed the spa and the therapists. I was concerned that it would take a lot of time to build up enough clientele to cover my bills. Once more I prayed "Lord, give me clarity to whether I should stick it out or move on." After two days I was asked to meet with my manager, who was/is a lovely person. She told me that nervousness or insecurity was coming through my hands and she didn't know what to do. I smiled. Anyone who has ever been under my hands knows that I rock the massage table. Maximus can attest to that fact. My manager could not produce any comment cards attesting to what she was saying about me. I knew...it was time.

So I left the spa with kind words and hugs and well wishes and called my folks to let them know I was coming home. I'm thinking it was like the Prodigal's reaction when he found out his son was coming home.

So, I've been spending these last days in Tennessee packing stuff, throwing stuff away and saying goodbyes. I had a wonderful time last Sunday at a cookout with the YaYa's. I'm going to lunch with a group of friends tomorrow. I'm going to dinner and a movie with a bunch of crazy women Saturday night. I'm traveling to Arkansas on Wednesday to attend my youngest daughter's graduation, then returning to say my final goodbyes and load up on May 15.

I find my eyes leaking frequently and at unexpected times, like when I'm sharing apples with the spoiled horses, or when I sit out under the huge yellow poplar tree in the cool of the evening, or when I think of leaving the people that I've come to love in the many years I've been here.

Yes, I'm easing on down the road to the next leg of my journey and thankful for every moment that has led to the next one.

2009-02-11T11:33:00.000-08:00

seriously????

My youngest daughter got a part in a dinner theatre production that runs all summer. They're currently in rehersal. She called me last night while she was sitting in the Walmart parking lot awaiting her dad's arrival. The following conversation ensued:

"Hey mom"
Hey Jes, whatcha doin?
"I'm sitting in the Walmart parking lot waiting on dad to get here."
What happened?
"Nothing. I have to buy boobs."
Why do you have to buy boots?
"Boobs mom. I have to buy boobs for my part."
Walmart sells boobs???
"Mom, Walmart sells everything.

Now I have been all over Walmart many times over, but I think I missed that aisle.

Jes, what the heck are you talking about?
"Mother! I have to get a padded bra and those insert thingies they sell."
You mean the rubber things that resemble chicken breasts?
"Yes that is what I mean. Geeze!"
Okay, gotcha. Well I'm very proud of you.
"So you're saying you're proud that I'm a bimbo?"
You're only a bimbo in the play. I'm proud of you for getting the part.
"Alright gotcha. Gotta go now."

These are the moments I cherish. LOL

2009-01-13T13:48:00.000-08:00

sometimes all you can do is laugh....

I have a leak. No, it's not a personal problem...I mean there is a leak in my kitchen. The drip is over a cupboard, so I've been keeping one of those aluminum broiling pans on top to catch the drip.

So last Saturday it had been raining cats, dogs and gerbils so the pan had been serving its' purpose. That evening, I needed a plate from the cupboard and as I opened the door.....

... said door caught on the pan, turning the pan completely upside down and dumping the water on the top of my head, all down the front of my shirt, and to my feet. It was like something you would have seen on "I Love Lucy." What did I do? I stood there laughing, regretting the fact that there was no one else there to share in the viewing pleasure.

2009-01-05T08:21:00.000-08:00

Horses....Kids...are they really so different?

My landlord has two horses...Handy and Slingshot. During the past year I have watched them and spoiled them and can't imagine a day without seeing them.

A few weeks ago, Slingshot foundered. Because of his condition, he's been kept up in a stall and given medicine and closely watched during recovery. He is now given a little hay and some grain with his medicine mixed in. Well, he's not too keen on the med mix. It's like he's thinking "why would someone ruin some perfectly fine grain with that nasty conconction! I'm not eating it!!"

In my observations, I've come to the conclusion that horses are a lot like children. When I went out to the barn to check on him the other day, I found Slingshot stretching his neck over the stall trying to get at some hay he knew he wasn't supposed to have. It was well out of reach, but he was trying anyway. I checked his feed bucket and there was his grain. I shook the bucket to let him know there was something in there. Oh, he was already aware and he was not having any part of it.

However....

When I put the grain in my hand, he ate it willingly, just as he does when I bring him apples or carrots. He ate every bit of it. It was all in the approach.

Yesterday while at the barn, Handy wandered into the stall next to Slingshot. He'd pulled up a long stalk of straw or weed or some such when he was in the pasture and brought it, you guessed it, to Slingshot. Handy can roam the pasture freely and since his buddy couldn't, he brought him something. Like kids do, after the nicety was offered, he reached over and nipped at his buddy. Slingshot then shot me the look "MAKE HIM STOP TOUCHING ME!" I couldn't keep from giggling. During my childhood, my sister shot that same look to my mother on many occasions as I picked at her. My kids have shot me the same look...usually Kylie picking at Jes. I guess it doesn't matter whether you have 4 legs or two, it's how we all roll :)

2008-12-10T08:07:00.000-08:00

the feline terror...

She arrived several years ago…tiny and scared. She hid for the first day. It wasn’t long until Jesika was pushing her around the living room in the Barbie limo. Chloe Kitty was riding in style! She grew quickly, as kittens always do, and developed quite a personality.

It was getting close to Christmas and the girls had taken great pains in decorating the Christmas tree. (You see where this is going don’t you?) Every ornament was in place and the lights were just right and the tree was lovely.

Enter Chloe…

At first, she just looked at the tree and checked things out. It wasn’t long until she was lying underneath it along with the presents. I guess she was channeling her “wild outdoor cat” side.

Then it happened….

We came home to find the tree toppled over and ornaments everywhere. Kylie righted the tree and painstakingly fixed the decorations and all was right with the world. However, after 3-4 times of this event occurring, Kylie threw her hands up and said “THAT’S IT!!!” She packed away the ornaments and lights and took the tree down and everything went back to the garage. We had a Christmas with no tree.

From that day forward, Miss Chloe Kitty became known as “Chloe, the cat who ruined Christmas!” lol

Chloe is still around. She’s now residing with Jes and her father in Arkansas. These days she is an outside cat who greatly enjoys sharing her food with the raccoons and chasing off dogs and rabbits and whatever creature that might venture into the yard. She gets occasional visits inside and enjoys every minute, stretching out on the back of the couch like she owns the place. When I see her, I call her “Chloe, the cat who ruined Christmas” and I swear she has a smirk on her face!

2008-12-09T07:59:00.001-08:00

are you kidding me??????

McDonald's has a fabulous marketing team that has now come up with gourmet coffees at about half the price of Starbuck's. I tried one of their lattes the other day and to my surpise, it was delicious. So yesterday it was cold and I was craving something hot. I pulled through the drive through and ordered a biscuit and a hazlenut latte, anticipating the frothy warmth. I pull up to the window to pay and the associate says "I'm sorry, we don't have any of our gourmet coffees at the moment." WHAT????? So, I substituted with a medium orange juice, which was not my desire, but was really good.

This morning I was craving orange juice. I pull up to the drive through and place my order only to hear "I'm sorry, we're out of orange juice." WHAT!!!! It was only 8:00!!! HOW could they be out of OJ????? Are the forces against me? Should I just opt to drink water or perhaps make coffee at home and quit supporting the machine known as Micky D's????

Nahhhhhhhhhhhhh I'm a creature of habit and believe in second chances ;)

2008-12-08T10:31:00.000-08:00

realizations.....

This past week I have several revalations...realizations of who I once was, who I am now and who I am becoming.

I treasure my solitude. Small, intimate gatherings are wonderful. However, a house full of people and children set my nerves on edge. It's better in my world to keep the "volume" down.

Also...regarding men. Guess what? I am not an option for you to keep open. Another thing...if you just want sex, keep looking. I'm sure there are plenty of willing participants to fulfill your needs, one of them not being me. I'm an intelligent, funny, warm hearted woman that deserves to be cherished. No, I do not want to have phone sex. Seriously??? One last thing...if you're married, do not lie about it. The truth always comes out and sometimes it's very ugly.

There are many opportunities in this world. If the current job is stifling your growth potential or is no longer fulfilling, there is another out there that is. Just look :)

If I want to stay in my jammies all day, it's okay. It doesn't mean I'm lazy or dirty or stinky, it just means that I enjoy a day of ease every now and again and it's okay.

I am not going to die if I miss a television show. Yes, I enjoy dishing certain shows, but if I miss an episode or an entire season, I'm pretty sure I'll still be breathing. I try not to live my life around the tube. I know that is amazing to some folks.

Animals are a good thing. They love unconditionally and do not judge. I try to get a dose of some kind of critter several times a week...more if possible.

Kids are going to do what kids are going to do. You raise them to the best of your ability and the choices they make are theirs and theirs alone. Just love them where they are.

When the day isn't going well, music always helps :)

2008-11-21T08:26:00.000-08:00

ode to cranberries....

Once again it's about that time of year. Turkey and trimmings and cranberry sauce! I'm not talking fresh cranberries lovingly combined with other ingredients for a beautiful presentation. I'm talking about the REAL stuff! That wonderful gellatinous goo in the shape of the can it emerges from! YUMMMMMMMM! It's just not Thanksgiving dinner to me if there isn't cranberry rounds that I can put on my plate between the turkey and mashed potatoes and gravy.

Of course cranberries can be enjoyed in various other forms. If you haven't tried them, Craisins are delicious and a great snack. Monday, I had lunch at Bread & Company. They serve a wonderful chicken salad on cranberry bread. I must say it was a joy to the tastebuds. If you haven't, try it sometime!

That's all I got on cranberries. Have a very blessed Thanksgiving!

2008-11-03T13:52:00.000-08:00

it's the little things.....

Last Friday I spent 7 hours of my day driving to Defuniak Springs, FL. "What on Earth for?" you may ask. FARM DAY!!!

Every year, a family I know hosts Farm Day out at their farm. The theme is "So the World May Know." Uhhhhhh Know what? Know Jesus. Volunteers invite friends and family as well as people they may meet, to a wonderful day to fellowship. No, it's not "churchy."

Saturday morning we started making final preparations. The official kick off was 11:00, however, there were some gate crashers. lol There were 2 zip lines, apple bobbing, a corn hust doll building booth, funnel cakes, cotton candy, face painting, square dancing, horseback riding, miniature donkeys, goats, sheep, peacocks, treasure hunt, hay ride (to the tune of 5 flatbed trailers), a huge bonfire and fireworks. I'm sure I left something out. Oh yeah!! The huge draw for the 3-5 year olds was the popcorn trough, as you can see by the above pic. There were several kiddos that were playing in the corn kernals from the time they got there, until darkness fell.

How could I forget about DINNER ON THE GROUNDS!!! Hotdogs & hamburgers and too many sides and desserts to mention. There were over 2800 people sharing their day. I have never seen so many smiling faces. Did I mention that all of this was free of charge? My heart was blessed by all the smiles and laughter that rang throughout the day. No smoking, no swearing, no alcohol....just a darned good time enjoying the simple pleasures of life. No SpongeBob....no playstation....no wii...and STILL, a good time was had by all.

2008-10-06T13:19:00.000-07:00

peace, sweet peace.....

Yesterday I had some time before the arrival of a client. It was a beautiful day, so I sat my tookus down in the rocker on my landlord's porch and just listened. There were so many different melodies in the air that I could not discern which bird was singing what. Off in the distance rang the percussion of a woodpecker. The breeze was gentle and the sun was shining. Every so often, a leaf would dance delicately to the ground imitating the butterfly that was flitting out in the pasture.

So peaceful

I wondered if this was what it must have been like in Eden. I'm sure the Garden peace was magnified and the chirping opera louder, but I think I caught a glimpse...then conversation or laughter from the bicyclists or the ocassional car passing brought me back to the reality of the day reminding me how precious those glimpses truly are.

2008-09-17T09:43:00.000-07:00

...sweet spirit
It began as a whisper
A gentle calling in my ear
A breeze crossed my face and then
I was surrounded
Caught up in an all consuming
Delicate whirling
Pure essence of pleasurable serenity
And then
Quiet
Yet
A knowing
An inner dwelling place
Once empty
Now filled beyond measure
-bendy

THE WIND BLOWS WHERE IT PLEASES. YOU HEAR
THE SOUND, BUT YOU CANNOT TELL WHERE IT
COMES FROM OR WHERE IT IS GOING."
( JOHN 3:8 *NIV )

2008-09-07T13:43:00.001-07:00

rollin' with the trolls.....

Usually once a year I lose my mind and think that it would be a good idea to check out the personals and find someone to date. Silly me. You'd think I'd learn, being the smart gal that I am.

So I signed up on a popular online dating site. Now, unlike some, I'm truthful to a fault when describing myself. Blonde, hair, blue eyes, warped sense of humor, tattoo, nose stud and fat & sassy. Pretty good summation if I do say so myself.

I've found that many men view, but few actually email. Those that view and do not email are looking for someone that is of ''average build, fit, or slender." All I've got to say is good luck with that.

Here's my experience with actual respondees...(is that a word?)

One admitted to having a girlfriend but wasn't sure where the relationship was going. I later found the girlfriend AND HER THREE KIDS resided with him.

One was an adorable man that I had great chemistry with. The problem? He only wanted a sexual relationship. Well, at least he was honest.

Next? Here's a good one.... He was adamant about wanting to meet me. He wanted to meet someone with brown hair and green eyes, with an average or athletic build. Tattoos and piercings were a no no. HELLO??? Did you READ my profile? I gently reminded him of this. He said he could live with the tattoo, but asked that I remove my nose stud if we go out. Being who I am, I informed him that I am who I am and you take me as I am. Silly man...thinking I'd change. Well, he was a tough one and still insisted on going out for dinner. We had a lovely dinner and good conversation. Believe it or not, he did not pass out from the nose stud. The next day I got an email stating he felt no connection and did not want to go out again. Dude...I tried to warn you before we ever made the date.

Last but not least...I received an email from a man in Clarksville. Good Christian spirit filled man. I thought "hmmmmm let's see what he's all about." The second conversation he had he mentioned that maybe if we hit it off, he could get a massage with a happy ending. Yep...you heard me. Bendy immediately informed his hoochie azz that massage was my business...my profession...and there would be no happy endings for him or anyone else. 'Nuff said.

Yep, I've decided hanging with friends, chilling out with a good book or working with the horses is a much better way to spend my time. I also know, some time during the next year I'll wonder if things have changed and...well you know the rest of the story.

2008-08-20T11:42:00.000-07:00

oh bother.....

Bendy isn't feeling so Bendilicious as of late. I recently changed positions and migrated back into customer service as a lead person. In the work realm, customer service is my thing. However, this week I have had days where my biggest dilemma is deciding who to shoot first -- the customers calling in fussing over an inexpensive magazine subscription or a seasoned rep that lost everything out of their head that they've ever known.

Decisions, decisions.....

So this afternoon, I've tuned in to one of Maxifrog's favorite podcasts and am letting the music carry me away. The boy is amazing when it comes to finding an eclectic mix of music. So I'm listening an chillin'. This beast is getting soothed :)

"Music hath charms to soothe a savage beast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak." -William Congreve

2008-08-07T11:37:00.000-07:00

check your tone.....

Email is a wonderful tool. I correspond with people all over the globe on a daily basis. That "immediacy" is so gratifying. However, there's something you cannot "get" through email like you can through a face to face conversation.....

voice inflection.

Innocent statements can be read or taken wrong in a nanosecond. Friendships can be marred by something read one way and intended another. Something meant as a joke can be taken as a slam.

So be careful out there....

2008-07-18T07:04:00.000-07:00

friday thinking....

people waiting in line for apple iphones...people waiting in line to see "the dark knight"...what are YOU waiting on?

2008-07-02T13:51:00.000-07:00

papa…is that you?

It started out simple. A book referral from a dear friend. It ended up with a tear stained face Bendy that had a very full heart.
That’s the beginning and the end.

Let’s get to the inbetween…

Yesterday a friend told me about a book she’d just finished that was the absolute best. Well, she and I are usually on the same wavelength, so after work I shot over to Border’s and picked up “The Shack.” This book is currently #1 on the best seller list. Pretty impressive. Let’s check out the meat in that sandwich to see if it’s truly up to the #1 placing.

The plot…

A story about loss. Sounds like something you’d want to read, right? Nice and depressing. Hold your horses…I’m not done. Three of the major characters (and I do mean characters) are the Holy Trinity. Yep…THE BIG THREE. Oh no…a “churchy” book!! Hang on fireball…don’t be so quick to judge! I will not share all the in’s and outs. Hopefully what I DO share will peak your interest enough that you will actually read the book.

Perception…

I can’t tell your story, but I was raised with a picture of God in my head as a man dressed in flowing white robes with long white hair and a white beard. Jesus, of course, looked just like the picture that appears somewhere in most churches, some Bibles, and of course emails these days. You know the one. Great wavy brown hair, dark, soulful eyes, and a neatly trimmed beard. (Did they have razors in those days???) As for the Holy Spirit…that was one I could never visually wrap my mind around. Those visuals can exit stage left.

Enter the Big Three of “The Shack.”

There’s Papa…A large black woman that is constantly cooking something that would make you want to slap your momma while your grandmother watched. (Okay…Southerner’s get that. Not being disrespectful to my womenfolk.) There’s Jesus, the one that wears the scruffy overalls and works a lot with his hands. He’s a little on the homely side. And finally, there’s Sarayu…there ethereal being that one can’t actually get a clear visual because she’s always moving. These three minister to Mack, who happens to be the main character that experienced loss.

The crux of the story…

Wisdom…knowledge…gaining the understanding that it isn’t all about religion. It’s about having a very meaningful, loving, deep relationship with God who is three in one. God shows himself to us in forms that we can understand…that we’re comfortable with…that we can talk to face to face and question and love. He is not intimidating, sitting up there on His throne casting judgment down upon us for messing up on a Commandment. He’s kind and loving and a listener and He speaks to us. He longs for that intimate relationship.

This book will make you laugh, make you cry and hopefully give you some insight to what Papa has wanted all along….to have a relationship with each and every one of His children.

I could not put this book down and finished it last night. For more info go to www.theshackbook.com

2008-06-26T07:56:00.000-07:00

it's all in the bag.....

It starts out when we’re little girls. We have to have a purse like mommy. Sometimes at Easter we’d even get one that matches our shoes! Of course, when we’re small, the purses are too and usually hold odds and ends such as pennies, shiny rocks, maybe a Polly Pocket or two. As we age, our purses get larger and the “innards” go from treasures to necessities like makeup, feminine hygiene products etc.

The “Queen Mother of All Purses” is the MOM purse. You could dig for days for treasure and back in the day would be sure to win a prize on “Let’s Make A Deal” for producing a random item such as a paper clip, bobbie pin, or rubber band from the deep, dark depths of the black hole.

Not much has changed as the years go by, except……

Now we have the “man purse” (known as the murse in some circles.) Yep, some guys have moved from carrying a wallet in the back pocket to carrying a man purse. My brother-in-law carries a murse. I’m not sure what all he has in there, but I’m pretty sure he could go into David mode and slay Goliath with it. In fact, the first one he had was so heavy that the strap ended up breaking. OH MY!!

Why do we feel the need to carry “stuff” around with us? Is it our safety net? Our survival kit? I’m pretty sure that if some were stranded, they could survive weeks on stuff from their purse/murse. I’m guilty of throwing all my loose change in the bottom of my purse. When I notice that it’s getting a little heavy, I’ll empty it and put the change in my change jar. Once I counted $11 in change. ELEVEN DOLLARS! Do you know how heavy $11 in change is??? (hanging head)

Maybe someday we’ll realize that it’s just “stuff” and not a necessary evil. Ladies will carry the bare necessities in a clutch and men will go back to having a lump on one side of their butt.

2008-06-06T11:57:00.000-07:00

"snortworthy".....

You know what I'm talking about. Someone says or does something and you laugh so hard you snort, which only makes things funnier and chances are, you'll snort again. The initial snort might even cause whatever substance your friends are drinking to shoot out their nose from the hilarity...thus more snorting. It's a viscious cycle.

My aunt is the queen of snorting. Get her on a roll and you can usually get 2 or three out before she can stop. It's great! Of course, the older I get, bladder control might be another factor. Not going there...

Well, today Max & I were exchanging emails about podcasts. He'd sent me a link to one he had juice around today. I emailed back the following....

"Find me one for funk..."

You know...Brick House sort of stuff. I got an email back stating he had to read the line several times before reading it right. I "got it" and came very close to snorting, thus the blog :)

2008-05-14T09:46:00.000-07:00

flippin' n' dippin'....

They’re everywhere you turn. Young men on street corners flipping signs of advertisement in hopes of grabbing your attention. Masters of the board flip. They twirl, they spin, they wrap their boards around their bodies and back into a twirl.

Eye catching? Indeed. However, I have yet to be spurned into buying a mattress, a new home or a car from excitement induced by a “flipper.”
Who thought this was a good idea? How much do they pay these kids to display their skills? Has anyone done a study of the business resulting from a flipper? I’m doubting it.

2008-05-12T13:21:00.000-07:00

there's a change in the air.....

I returned from my trip yesterday. A long, 4 day weekend is delicious. As much as I enjoyed my time away, I missed the joys of my home as well.

I unloaded my car and then went out to embrace my surroundings and visit with the horses. Yesterday was incredibly blustery. The temperature dropped enough that even this hot natured gal had to don a jacket. The old tree at the corner of the main house was creaking and moaning like the aged.

The horses were in the lower pasture, heads bent, chomping grass like there was no tomorrow. Suddenly, I suppose the change in the air hit just right and the peaceful scene in front of me changed to full blown energy. Heads thrown up, nostrils flared and away they went. There’s something so awesome about watching all that muscle power in motion. I stood just watching the show. They ran all over the pasture several times and finally quieted. I walked to the back fence and waited patiently. The sorrel looked at me, threw his head in the air, muscled his chest out and headed straight for the fence where I was standing. It was an incredible sight. He stopped at the fence and looked at me as if to say “I’m ready for my carrot now please.” And that is exactly what he got. In fact, both of them scored carrots as they always do.

After the treat, the equines wandered off to graze and I stood mesmerized as I watched the grass in the bottom pasture. The tall grass seemed to be dancing as the wind whipped through it.

A flash of blue whizzed by me and on to parts unknown. There are several bluebirds that have built out in various trees and posts.

As the chill dug deeper, I turned and walked toward the house…my “ahhhhh” moment tucked away to be pulled out on another day.

2008-05-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

i'm already there.....

Today is my last day of the work week. I'm leaving tomorrow for Arkansas and will not return until Sunday. As often happens, my mind is already on vacation. It's packed up and currently cruising. Try as I might, I cannot seem to get a whole heck of a lot accomplished.

The purpose of my visit is college graduation for my oldest. I'm so very proud of her. She's grown into the most amazing young woman. I remember the day she was born and all the days inbetween. The ups and downs, excitement and disappointments...everything that has molded her into who she is today. She's going to be one amazing teacher! It's sometimes difficult for me to wrap my mind around the fact that she's a grown up. After all....I'm still 25 ;)

2008-04-16T11:24:00.000-07:00

boo-tube.....

I enjoy checking out utube videos and being exposed to new music, or a giggling kid or cute puppy or my daughter dancing in a school production etc. These are things that make me smile. (I almost broke into Julie Andrews singing "My Favorite Things.")

What I DON'T enjoy is the latest vindictive postings such as a gaggle of girls beating the crap out of one of their "friends" for posting something on her MySpace, or the lastest.... the vile rantings of a wife who's in the middle of divorce proceedings.

Life happens. Someone gets angry and posts something unflattering on their website. It's a mistake that will be regreted. Men and women sometimes go through very ugly divorces. There's pain and heart ache, and again, regret of some issues will follow. WHY make things worse by posting what can only be described as "crap" in the heat of the moment? Take some time, take a breath and cool down.

On the other side...WHY do viewers take such pleasure in watching this stuff? Does it make them feel better about themselves? Does it continue to roll and spurn more vile ideas in the video voyeurs themselves?

Yes, we're blessed with the right of free speach. However, God gave us a conscience. It would behoove us to use it :)

2008-04-01T10:28:00.000-07:00

let the water come and carry us away….

I went back home March 15 – 23. “Home” is Ozark, Missouri, nestled snugly between Branson and Springfield. I went back for a much needed week of relaxation and to visit my friends and family, of course.

It started raining on Monday. Down, down, down it came with no stopping in sight. Finally, the clouds parted and the skies cleared on Wednesday morning. Relief! I’m thinking this quite possibly could be how Noah felt once the rains ceased. My dad checked his rain gauge…8.5 inches. YOWZA! That’s a lot of water!

Fortunately, the folks live high on a hill with no danger of flooding. Others were not so lucky. The Finley River runs through my small town. Several homes and businesses were invaded with murky flood waters. The Ozark Park, conveniently located along the banks of the Finley, flooded big time. Thankfully, the waters seemed to recede as quickly as they rose, leaving a huge mess behind…dirt, rock, huge chunks of asphalt that had broken from the roads, tree limbs, and of course a bevy of rubbish. The community began cleanup and it was just another day.

Flooding is rarely, if ever, looked at as a good thing. Damage? Yes. However, the sludge is brought to the top and disposed of. The result – a much needed cleansing.

Comparatively, a spiritual flood is much like a physical flood. The junk…the trash…the unsightly…rises to the top and is carried away by the blood of Jesus. Can I get a “hallelujah?”